“Deepak, why are we really here?”

That was the first question I asked Dr. Deepak Chopra yesterday on stage at the Entrepreneurs’​ Organization Global Leadership Conference in Hawaii, in front of more than 1,600 entrepreneurs from 56 countries.

His answer?
“We are here to evolve into the progressive expansion of happiness—and ultimately measure success with joy.”

Let that sink in.

“Joy is the only measure of success,” he said. “You can have everything in the world, but if you don’t have joy, you’ve wasted your life.”

Yesterday, I had the incredible honor of interviewing Dr. Chopra—physician, philosopher, author, and spiritual guide—for a conversation that stretched far beyond business. We explored consciousness, leadership, purpose, and what it truly means to live a fulfilled life.

He reminded us that joy is not the same as happiness. Joy is intrinsic to our nature. It’s not something we pursue—it’s something we uncover by being present and fully aware.

“A question is a thought. An answer is a thought. Everything in between is you—your consciousness.”

When we bring presence to an object, it becomes beauty.
When we bring presence to a person, it becomes love.

We talked about how we’re all made of “stuff” from across the universe, and how the space between our thoughts holds infinite potential.

He spoke of the deep yearning within all of us—not just to succeed, but to belong, to return to our source.

Then he laid out the qualities of true leadership—his L.E.A.D.E.R.S. model:

• Look and Listen
• Emotional Intelligence
• Awareness
• Dreaming
• Responsibility
• Synchronicity

At its core?
Authenticity. Integrity. Higher purpose. Responsibility.

We touched on technology—yes, even AI.

Dr. Chopra believes AI, like any tool, can be used for divine or destructive purposes. He’s incredibly optimistic, envisioning a world of abundance, powered by intelligence and purpose—with no one left behind.

(And yes—you can actually talk to deepakchopra.ai. I shared this with the audience, and you should try it too.)

What struck me most was his invitation to reflect on these four timeless questions:

• Who am I?
• What do I want?
• What is my purpose?
• What am I thankful for?

This wasn’t just a keynote.
It was a mirror.
A moment to come home to ourselves.
To remember what really matters.

I’m so grateful for the chance to hold space for this conversation—and for the energy and presence of every person in that room.

Thank you, EO, for continuing to elevate what leadership truly means.

And thank you, Dr. Chopra, for reminding us:

• “The universe isn’t out there. The universe is in me.”
• “Sing your song.”